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Torch, water portion, weather layer, gloves, first aid.
Emergency preparedness · 20 min
Go-bag and mobile emergency kit
Portable, personal and packed by essential function.
A go-bag supports an orderly move; it does not solve every imaginable emergency. Weight, mobility, season, medication, documents and the carrier's ability determine the contents. Every vital function must be organised accessibly.
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Decision compass
Decide safely
Four questions lead from observation to a clear, safer action.
What needs to be clarified now?
What must I notice first?
- Record household needs, dependencies, current official information and available safe locations.
- Agree responsibilities, communication rules and a fallback before time pressure develops.
Remember: Observe → assess → choose a safer option → act.
Cover vital functions first and remove anything that defeats actual carrying ability.
EXPLANATORY GRAPHIC · PRACTICAL GUIDE
FIGHTandSURVIVEPack by access and weight
The bag must support mobility, not remove it.
Close to back
Heavy compact items centred and close to the body.
Protected
Documents and medication waterproof and labelled.
Bottom
Light bulky warmth and clothing.
On the person
Keys, phone, ID and essential medication—not only in the bag.
RESULT / SAFETY CHECKCarry test: stairs, sit, stand and walk 20 minutes. Repack for pain, unstable gait or poor access.
Learning goals
- Prioritise a go-bag individually
- Test weight and carrying ability
- Integrate documents and medication safely
Functions before objects
Plan for water, energy-dense food, weather protection, light, information, first aid, medication, hygiene, documents, cash, charging and personal aids. Children and animals add care, identification and transport needs. Specialist tools without trained use add weight without necessarily adding safety.
Documents and medication
Carry water-protected copies of key documents, contacts, medication list and medical information. Keep medication in original packaging and follow storage conditions. Digital copies can supplement paper but must remain accessible offline and without a working battery.
Carry and test
Carry the fully packed bag for 20–30 minutes on a realistic route with stairs, doors and a brief faster section. Both hands should remain free; straps must not cause chafing or numbness, and you should bend and stand without losing balance. Stop after pain, breathlessness, numbness or unsafe gait, then adjust fit and reduce weight. Test access to water, light, documents and medication.
Practical check
- Review functions rather than equipment trends
- Add medication and documents
- Weigh the complete bag
- Test a realistic carrying route
- Assign child and animal supplies
Important
- Do not pack so heavily that mobility is lost
- Do not carry loose medication or chemicals
- Do not bury vital items where they cannot be reached
Decision training
Your go-bag is too heavy to carry for more than a few minutes. What is correct?
- AAttach more equipment outside
- BPrioritise vital functions and distribute weight realistically
- CAssume a vehicle will always be available
Show answer
Correct: B. A mobile kit only serves its purpose if it can actually be transported.